“That’s about right,” the manager agreed. “It’s hard work, but it’s a good feeling to get people what they want. That’s the best part of the job.”

“I bet it is,” Alex said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.

This made the manager smile. “Oh, it is. And there’s a lot of room for advancement, if you decide you’d like to stay with the Hagar’s team for the long haul. It only took me six weeks to make manager, for example… but you have to put in the work!”

“Really?” Alex looked impressed. “That’s… just another reason to hope I get the job, then!”

The manager laughed. “Well, Alex, your prayers are answered. I’d like you to start next Friday, if that’s okay with you.”

Alex flinched. “Really?” Spend his birthday… here?

The manager seemed to interpret his dismay as surprise. “I know you probably weren’t expecting such a fast decision, but that’s how I like to run this ship, you know? I go with my gut.”

“Yeah…” Alex nodded.

It didn’t have to be forever.

It didn’t have to be forever.

“Okay, thanks!”

“So you accept?”

“Yes, sir. Thanks.”

The manager held out his hand for Alex to shake. The flesh was warm and moist.

They stood up.

“You get two shirts,” the manager said. “You have to provide your own slacks. Any dark brown shade is fine. Oh, and shoes, which should be black dress shoes.”

Alex was going to go into debt before he even started the job. Totally awesome. Maybe he could get his mother to spring for the shoes and pants.

The manager squeezed behind the counter. “I’ll get your shirts.” He went into the back, leaving Alex alone with the kid manning the cash register.

Alex nodded to him. “I’m Alex. I guess I’ll be working here next Friday.”

The manager came back with two shirts shrink-wrapped in plastic. “Here you go, Alex. These are Hagar’s property, so if you lose them or get them messed up, you’ll have to buy the next ones out of your paycheck, okay?”

“Sure.” Alex took the shirts. “Thanks.”

“Welcome to the Hagar’s family,” the manager grinned. “See you next Friday!”

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